Microstructure and properties of ultrafine WC–Co–VC cemented carbides with different Co contents

Ultrafine WC–Co–VC cemented carbides are used extensively in a variety of industrial environments due to their excellent mechanical properties and outstanding wear resistance. Co content affects the service performance of the cemented carbides. In the present study, the influences of Co content on microstructure, physical, and mechanical properties were investigated systematically. Ultrafine WC–Co–VC cemented carbides with Co content varying from 4 wt% and 7 wt% and assistance of VC (0.35 wt%) as inhibitor of WC grain growth were prepared. The physical and mechanical properties were tested and the microstructure characteristics were observed by optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the results, it is found that with Co content increasing, both the cobalt magnetism and bending strength increase, while the coercive force, Rockwell hardness, density, and abrasive wear resistance decrease. In addition, the OM and SEM results show that the increase of Co content in WC–Co–VC cemented carbides tends to reduce the quantity and size of micro-pores, and make the fracture mode change from brittle fracture to ductile fracture.